Arsenal 'send scouts' to watch Liverpool target in Premier League battle

This weekend, Arsenal stepped up the transfer interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto after sending scouts to watch him in action against Brentford. Wolves took on the Bees on Saturday afternoon (10 February) and reports from Graeme Bailey on HITC indicate the Gunners scouts were watching both the 23-year-old Portuguese international winger as well as the recently returned Ivan Toney of Brentford who scored the Bees' second goal in their 2-0 win.

While reports of Arsenal's interest in Toney has been long-standing, the interest in Neto has grown substantially in recent weeks as Arsenal lack depth when it comes to the wider areas with Neto being the ideal candidate to help provide cover. Additionally, he has the ability to work on both sides of the pitch, allowing him to act as potential covers from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Born in Viana do Castelo, Neo began his youth career with Vianese before signing with Braga. After one Braga B-team appearance, three senior appearances and four Lazio appearances, Neto moved to Wolves in 2019 and has since gone on to play in over 100 Premier League fixtures. He has represented his country at all age groups from U17 upwards, including five senior caps.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stand-out season so far, picking up three goals and ten assists across all competitions and has established himself as a top performer in the Premier League. While Arsenal are seemingly ramping up their interest in him, they are set to face competition for the winger's signature from current league leaders Liverpool, according to Football Insider.

Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from Anfield a the end of the season with any move set to come a year after the Reds were offered £200 million for the Egyptian from Al Ittihad, and if indeed the striker does leave Liverpool, a replacement will need to be found quickly.

Arsenal and Liverpool will be forced to cough up a fair amount if they are to secure the services of the Portuguese international as, while Transfermarkt value the 23-year-old at £36million, it is highly probably Wolves will demand more.